Osmanthus 'Goshiki'

“Goshiki” is also known as holly olive or fake holly. It is an evergreen shrub with the capacity to grow very large in its native habitats in southern Japan and Taiwan. It is slow growing and well-used as a dense hedge row.

In the autumn, small clusters of four-petaled flowers bloom. These fragrant flowers often hide themselves among the leaves and form on leaf axils. The variegated leaves have tinges of reds and oranges when they first emerge. After emerging, they turn to the more traditional colours of light greens and creamy whites.

Also, the leaves have sharp, teeth-like points that form along the edges. The sharpness of the teeth is often associated with a particular sex, as these plants are dioecious - having male and female plants with sex-associated flowers.

Although these plants can grow in shade and partially shaded areas, the best contrasting colours of foliage are produced in full sun.

As they are evergreen, they perform well in borders and garden beds. In addition, it is good for use as a container plant and for more informal gardens and cottage areas.